2011: a retrospective roundup

I've got to ask...where on earth did 2011 go? I think I must have blinked at some point during the year and it disappeared! Luckily, this blog acts as a pretty comprehensive record of my activity, which has helped my reflective efforts.

Firstly, a quick detour via the future. For 2012 I'm taking radical action by throwing out all the rules! Last year, I set myself very specific aims, but I don’t know what they achieved, other than making me feel bad for not satisfying them all. I’m going to totally wing it this year to see which method is ultimately more productive. A highly scientific experiment I'm sure you'll agree ;o)

What I do know is that I want to sew and knit as much as possible, whilst continuing to improve my skills. And I want to savour every minute of it. So there!
Don’t get me wrong, 2011 has had some great highlights – especially getting to meet some amazing bloggers in May and taking up knitting in October. I’ve really fallen head over heels with knitting and I’m proud of my first creations.

However, when I look back at my aims for 2011 and even my half-year roundup, I’m struck by how unbelievably naive I sound. Erm, gee, wouldn’t everyone like to find / make more time to sew?!?

There’s no need to rush things! I’ve given myself a particularly hard time over not opening an Etsy shop, but really, what’s the hurry!?! I’d still like to do this one day, but I think it’s wiser to take the time to hone some killer skills and develop a unique idea.

I’m so excited to see where this new year takes me, so as I 'aimlessly' set sail into 2012, I’ll leave you with a selection of my good, my bad and my ugly sewing makes of 2011:

Great round-up Marie...and your pictures are looking fab! You may not have achieved all your original aims, but i think you have had a really productive year, especially on the knitting front. Here's to an equally productive 2012 :)

You've made some gorgeous items this year, even your 'bad and ugly' are lovely! I'm glad I'm not the only one who likes to sew on a whim, you and your previous commenters have made me feel better about that!Happy New Year!

Oh wow - you made so many gorgeous things in 2011, I salute you! If I had have been half as productive as you I would have been chuffed. Good luck with your 'aimless' sewing in 2012...I think it's a pretty good plan to be honest! I've set myself some big goals for this year, and I'm already nervous on day 3! lol

You were certainly busy this past year! You made so many lovely things. You should be very proud of your knitting accomplishments. They're all amazing. I've tried to pick up knitting over the past few years, but I always stop for half a year or more and I have to reteach myself. I have about five unfinished projects. I commend you for being so productive this year.

Wow, you made some wonderful stuff in 2011, exciting to see what you'll get up to in the new year. Don't be hard on yourself for the dresses that didn't turn out quite perfectly, they look wonderful from the photos. Thanks also for your lovely comment on my end-of-year post, you are a sweetie!